Liquor manufacturers owe over Rs. 6 billion in unpaid excise taxes

A recent report issued by the National Audit Office has revealed that the total unpaid excise duties and penalty charges owed by five leading liquor manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka have exceeded Rs. 6.33 billion,

As of December 31, 2023, the cumulative arrears stood at Rs. 6,337,596,701, having accumulated over the past five years.

The audit findings point to serious shortcomings in tax enforcement and revenue collection by relevant authorities.